Advocates call for systemic change following recent deaths of 15 vulnerable Alberta youth
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta says more can and should be done to prevent young people with complex needs from being further victimized by the shortcomings of available supports.
The organization released a report Wednesday comprised of its mandatory reviews into the deaths of 15 young Albertans — the majority of whom were Indigenous — that occurred in the five-month period between Oct. 1, 2021 and March 1.
"Each of these 15 young people had an immense impact on those who knew and loved them, and I send my heartfelt condolences to those mourning their loss," said Terri Pelton, a child and youth advocate, in her letter to the Office of the Speaker that accompanied the report.
Of the 15 victims, 12 were chid intervention services participants at the time of their death while the remaining three had received the services within the last two years. The office is required to issue a public report of any death that occurred within these parameters.
"The Child and Youth Advocate is deeply concerned about the exceptional number of notifications that continue to be received regarding children and youth who have passed away," read the report. "Of significant concern is the number of Indigenous youth, highlighting the critical need for systemic changes to better support First Nation, Métis and Inuit young people, their families, and communities."
The report included background information on each victim, outlining not only the challenges they faced in their abbreviated lives but making mention of their hopes, dreams and their valuable contributions.
According to the group, a staggering number of young people deaths are drug-related and likely preventable given the proper approach and access to support. Nine of the 15 deaths included in the report were attributed to suspected or confirmed drug toxicity.
"Substance use is a pervasive issue that has devastating outcomes for many young people and their families. There is an urgent need for a full spectrum of services and supports, which should be tailored to meet each young person's unique needs and circumstances. The government must develop and implement a youth specific opioid and substance use strategy to address this issue."
The Office of the Child and Youth Advocate of Alberta recommends the development of a coordinated action plan for children with complex needs to ensure supports or readily available to the vulnerable youth and their families. The action plan would address gaps until longer-term initiatives are developed.
The report is available here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A beautiful soul': Funeral held for baby boy killed in wrong-way crash on Highway 401
A funeral was held on Wednesday for a three-month-old boy who died after being involved in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 in Whitby last week.
'Sophisticated' cyberattacks detected on B.C. government networks, premier says
There has been a "sophisticated" cybersecurity breach detected on B.C. government networks, Premier David Eby confirmed Wednesday evening.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if they launch major invasion of Rafah
U.S. President Joe Biden said for the first time Wednesday he would halt shipments of American weapons to Israel, which he acknowledged have been used to kill civilians in Gaza, if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu orders a major invasion of the city of Rafah.
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs to start for Canucks in Game 1 vs. Oilers
Rookie goalie Arturs Silovs will start in net for the Canucks as Vancouver kicks off a second-round series against the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday night.
Nijjar murder suspect says he had Canadian study permit in immigration firm's video
One of the Indian nationals accused of murdering British Columbia Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar says in a social media video that he received a Canadian study permit with the help of an Indian immigration consultancy.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Quebec premier defends new museum on Quebecois nation after Indigenous criticism
Quebec Premier Francois Legault is defending his comments about a new history museum after he was accused by a prominent First Nations group of trying to erase their history.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his brain more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.